Patrick Henry -"Give me liberty, or give me death!"



THESE are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine
patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that
stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like
hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder
the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem
too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how
to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial
an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated. Britain, with an army to
enforce her tyranny, has declared that she has a right (not only to TAX) but "to
BIND us in ALL CASES WHATSOEVER," and if being bound in that manner, is
not slavery, then is there not such a thing as slavery upon earth. Even the
expression is impious; for so unlimited a power can belong only to God.
Whether the independence of the continent was declared too soon, or delayed too
long, I will not now enter into as an argument; my own simple opinion is, that had
it been eight months earlier, it would have been much better. We did not make a
proper use of last winter, neither could we, while we were in a dependent state.
However, the fault, if it were one, was all our own*; we have none to blame but
ourselves. But no great deal is lost yet. All that Howe has been doing for this
month past, is rather a ravage than a conquest, which the spirit of the Jerseys, a
year ago, would have quickly repulsed, and which time and a little resolution will
soon recover.

Henry, Patrick.Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death. 17 April. 2008

Henry
http://www.liberty-page.com/foundingdocs/givemeliberty/main.html
04/17/08